Sunday, December 04, 2011
Anti-Aging
Omega-3 can help says study
SARAH CODDINGTON Last updated 05:00 18/11/2011
Omega-3 can help reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease, especially as people age, Massey University Albany nutrition professor Bernhard Breier says.
His findings come out just as Massey University and Waitemata District Health Board join forces in research to find solutions to urgent health issues.
Mr Breier, who leads an international research team, says Omega-3s are especially beneficial for health because they improve carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
His research found a diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids, including fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, helps burn glucose and fat better and can regulate energy storage across different tissues.
This is despite genetic factors that predispose some people to gain weight more easily, making them potentially more susceptible to diabetes and heart disease.
A health report that revealed that 40 percent of Pacific Islanders aged over 51 have diabetes is alarming, health board chief executive Dale Bramley says.
"The long predicted diabetes epidemic has arrived. It is crucial that we stem the growing tide of diabetes that is affecting the quality of life of people in our community," he says.
Research, education and nutrition as the focus is key, Dr Bramley says.
Both facilities will work together in areas of psychology, nutrition, nursing and speech language therapy.
New collaborative initiatives include a bachelor of nursing degree and a masters in dietetics that will be on offer at the Albany campus next year.
Vice-chancellor Steve Maharey says while the university does not offer medicine it has other areas of expertise relevant to ensuring better health outcomes for New Zealanders through its research and public health programmes.
Waitemata's chief executive Dale Bramley says Massey's contribution to health education and research made it a valued partner in health education activities. Preventive health is a critical focus for the board.
Waitemata covers for residents on the North Shore, Waitakere and Rodney.
"We have 550,000 people in our catchment and we're growing by about 10,000 a year," Dr Bramley says.
"Investing in research, education, learning and innovation is at the heart of our district health board.